100 years after WW1; what is the future of the European Union

Europe and The World War 1

So many political discussions have been held concerning the future of the European Union due to its present challenges. World War 1 was described as the Great War for several reasons, one of which is the destruction of some nations in the European continent. Before the war, Europe was regarded as the strongest, most powerful and most advanced of the entire continents that exist. This status was conferred on the European continent because it was at the forefront of technological advancements; the countries of Europe were also dominant concerning territory expansion outside their original boundaries through trade and colonialization. Britain, France, Belgium, and Germany were introducing a new system of government to Africa and Asia, thereby annexing the countries there as an extension of their own. The war took away all these and Europe literally became a bleeding continent.

Brexit and the future of European Union

On June 23, 2016, a more than 52% of the population voted on a referendum to exit Britain from the European Union which now became the popular word Brexit. Over the last few years, Brexit has been the significant discussion among European countries most especially British citizens, scholars, and politicians. Most people think the issue of removing Britain from the Union started recently, but history pegged it to 1975 when over 60% of the country’s population-both administrative regions and other countries that make up Great Britain voted in a referendum to keep Britain in the European Union while less than 40% voted to opt out. This crisis then split the political class, as the Labour Party breaks during which the pro-Europe moved away to form the Social Democratic Party.

Theresa May, the current Prime Minister announced the intention of Britain to leave the Union after invoking Article 50 of the treaty of the Union. Several reasons can be described as the cause for the Brexit because it is a concept that would not have been thought of a decade ago. The economy was the primary reason for the British intention to leave the Union. It is evident that the economy of Europe is gradually collapsing and the rising unemployment seems to have no end in sight. Staying in the Union would eventually affect the British economy. Also, British financial institutions are the oldest and most trusted in the world, and they attract lots of clients all over the world. These institutions are important, and the whole of Europe cannot afford not to do business with them.

Furthermore, the rising cry of nationalism among countries can also be regarded as a factor. The need to secure the interest of Britain and its citizens first before others. Trump is already doing that in America, so why should Britain allow EU-a sinking ship- to drag it down, a decision which has greatly affected the future of European Union

It is evident the European Union do not want one of its most prominent state to leave the Union, but Britain has decided. According to Donald Tusk, the President of the European Union, he said that “Europe does not want to build a wall, but Brexit mean we will be drifting apart.”He believes trade relations between Europe will be more difficult and complicated even though that’s not what they would have wanted, a view that is shared by the French President, Emmanuel Macron.

Merkel, EU, and its Immigration stance

The growing immigration issue in the European Union has become a significant discussion for political analysts and foreign policy analysts.

Merkel has severally shown that she is a supporter of the European Union immigration policy and in 2015 welcomed about 1 million immigrants and refugees into Germany,an action that has caused so much political crisis. For her, Germany has the moral obligation to be accommodating these refugees because of the part it plays in the World War 1 and the Second World War. Her actions have been the major cause of her political problems as leaders like Trump have attacked her stance. Of recent, the German Chancellor has rescinded her accommodation for these immigrants and stats has shown that Germany’s intake of immigrants has reduced significantly. Merkel’s deal to compromise and send migrants back to their country is evidence that the European Union needs to revisit its immigration policy, and they need to do it fast.

Conclusion

After 100 years, it seems the events that led to World War 1 are gradually aligning. The future of the EuropeanUnionappears to be bleak and gloomy. The growing distrust among European nations, rising campaigning for Nationalism and issues of Immigration is separating these nations and it has become an issue of significant concern. Recent events and actions of European countries show that the EU is gradually losing its recognition as a Union created to promote peace and integrity. It is time for leaders of European nations to come together, put the issue of nationalism aside and commit to the future of the continent with a collective effort before further damage more substantial than Brexit occurs.

Another critical issue to discuss is Macron’s comment about Europe having its military. Macron, an anti-Trump, believes it is time for the European Union to have its standing army to defend it. This is further evidence of that Macron, like Trump also supports Nationalism, but he wants it to be a Continental issue. Macron’s vision for a Military that serves the European Union is not entirely a bad idea since nationalism is the reigning concept among nations. But at a time like this, it will be a misplaced priority and a far cry, the European Union, already has enough on its plates. How to improve the economy of countries of Europe and border security of nations should be at the forefront of issues to be addressed.